Commanders trade chatter intensifies after latest NFL insider tease

Adam Peters is in a tricky predicament heading into the 2025 trade deadline. The Washington Commanders have lofty expectations that aren't being met right now. Either the general manager rides it out with what he has, or he takes another swing in the hope of achieving short-term results.

Fans are skeptical about whether another trade will solve anything. The Commanders' problems run much deeper than one fix. Things seem off, and injuries have completely derailed the momentum Washington generated in Year 1 under this regime. Holding firm and building through the draft is the preferred approach, but there is just no telling for sure.

It'll be interesting to see what the coming weeks hold. But one NFL insider thought the Commanders might be shopping for incoming players. And two positions come to mind.

Commanders could be looking for help before the 2025 trade deadline

Eric D. Williams of FOX Sports, citing sources across the league, reported that teams are looking to add edge rushers and wide receivers before the deadline. He also thought the Commanders could be among those making calls, although their current record might hold them back from taking the plunge when push comes to shove.

Sources I spoke with echoed that edge rushers and receivers are at the top of the list for teams looking to make a move at the trade deadline. The Steelers, Commanders and Buffalo Bills make the most sense as potential buyers, according to one league source. The Commanders played without their top three receivers over the weekend, with Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel and Noah Brown all unavailable due to injury. But sitting at 3-4 with quarterback Jayden Daniels suffering a hamstring injury, the Commanders might not be inclined to make a move.

Again, it seems highly unlikely.

Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel Sr. are also back at practice, so throwing more trade assets at the wideout spot might not be in the team's best long-term interests. Adding an edge rusher seems much more feasible, especially considering the Commanders will now be without breakout defensive end Dorance Armstrong Jr. for the rest of 2025.

This will be determined by where Peters believes this roster is and whether he thinks the Commanders can recover from their lackluster start. They are 3-4 with three challenging games upcoming. Things don't get much easier after the bye week, so letting things play out and taking measures during the 2026 offseason is much more likely unless an opportunity he can't refuse falls into Washington's lap.

Time will tell, but any fans hoping for another blockbuster splash could be out of luck.